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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
ZWO ASI533MM Pro Mono

ZWO ASI533MM Pro Mono

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-ASI533MM-P
$999.00 - $999.00
$999.00
$999.00 - $999.00
$999.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 9.05 Megapixel 1-inch Square Monochrome Sensor
  • Peak Quantum Efficiency of 91%
  • 1.0e- Minimum Read Noise & Zero Amp Glow
  • Two-Stage TEC Cooling
  • 256MB DDR3 Internal Buffer
1 in stock
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • ZWO ASI533MM Pro Cooled Monochrome Astronomy Camera

    The ZWO ASI533MM Pro combines a 9.05 MP square Sony IMX533 monochrome sensor with 3.76µm pixels for high-resolution deep-sky imaging. Its back-illuminated architecture delivers a peak Quantum Efficiency of 91%, while a minimum read noise of 1.0e- and a 50ke- full well capacity ensure faint signals are captured with excellent dynamic range. Two-stage TEC cooling, a 256MB DDR3 buffer, and native 14-bit ADC output make the ASI533MM Pro a benchmark for noise control and data integrity in its class.

    9.05 MP Square Sensor with 91% Peak QE

    At the core of the ASI533MM Pro is the Sony IMX533, a 1-inch format sensor with a 3008 x 3008 pixel array. The square format eliminates the need to rotate your camera to perfectly frame objects like the Hercules Cluster (M13) or the core of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), simplifying your imaging sequence. As a back-illuminated (BSI) monochrome sensor, it achieves a remarkable 91% peak QE, capturing significantly more photons than front-illuminated or color sensors for deeper images in less time.

    1.0e- Read Noise and Zero Amp Glow

    The ASI533MM Pro is engineered for exceptionally clean data. Its 1.0e- to 3.8e- read noise preserves the faint, delicate details in nebulae and distant galaxies. A key feature for serious imagers is its integrated zero amp glow circuitry. This completely eliminates the typical glow seen in the corners of long exposures, meaning your dark frames are not tied to a specific exposure length or gain setting, dramatically simplifying your calibration library and improving final image quality.

    ASI533MM Pro vs. ASI533MC Pro: The Monochrome Advantage

    While the color ASI533MC Pro offers the simplicity of one-shot-color imaging, the ASI533MM Pro provides the highest possible sensitivity and resolution for advanced astrophotography. Here is how they compare:

    • ASI533MC Pro (Color): Delivers a color image directly from the camera, making it faster for beginners. However, its Bayer filter array reduces its peak QE to around 80% and lowers its effective spatial resolution.
    • ASI533MM Pro (Monochrome): With a peak QE of 91%, it gathers more light in the same amount of time. It requires a filter wheel for color (LRGB) imaging, but this unlocks the ability to shoot high-contrast narrowband images (H-alpha, OIII, SII) and capture the absolute sharpest luminance data possible.

    Two-Stage Cooling and 256MB DDR3 Buffer

    Consistent sensor temperature is critical for low-noise imaging. The ASI533MM Pro's two-stage TEC cooling system actively reduces thermal noise, enabling clean, multi-minute exposures. An integrated anti-dew heater on the protective window prevents moisture from forming during humid nights. To ensure every frame you capture is transferred without corruption, a 256MB DDR3 buffer provides a high-speed cache, preventing dropped frames even when connected via USB 2.0 or running on a less powerful computer.

  • What is the main advantage of the ZWO ASI533MM Pro's square sensor?

    The 3008 x 3008 square sensor simplifies framing. With a traditional rectangular sensor, you often need to rotate the camera to best fit a target. The ASI533MM Pro's square format provides the same field of view in every orientation, saving time and making it easier to create mosaics.

    Do I need dark frames with the ASI533MM Pro since it has zero amp glow?

    While the zero amp glow feature means you don't need to match dark frame exposure times to your light frames, dark frames are still highly recommended. They are essential for removing thermal noise (dark current) and correcting hot/cold pixels, which are separate from amplifier glow. Using a library of master darks at your standard imaging temperature is still best practice.

    Should I buy the ASI533MM Pro mono or the ASI533MC Pro color camera?

    Choose the ASI533MC Pro (color) for simplicity and if you want good results quickly without the added complexity of a filter wheel. Choose the ASI533MM Pro (mono) if your goal is the highest possible image quality, sensitivity, and flexibility. It excels at narrowband imaging from light-polluted skies and captures sharper detail, but requires more accessories and processing time.

    How does the ASI533MM Pro perform on the Orion Nebula (M42) with a 700mm refractor?

    The ASI533MM Pro is an excellent match. On a 700mm focal length telescope, its 3.76µm pixels provide an image scale of 1.1"/pixel, which is ideal for sampling fine details under average seeing conditions. The sensor's 11.31 x 11.31 mm dimensions will frame the core of the Orion Nebula (M42), including the Trapezium, Running Man Nebula, and surrounding nebulosity, in a single shot.

    Is the ASI533MM Pro a good choice for imaging Jupiter with an 8" f/10 SCT?

    While primarily a deep-sky camera, the ASI533MM Pro can be used for planetary imaging. For optimal results on Jupiter, you should aim for a focal ratio between f/19 and f/26 with its 3.76µm pixels. On an f/10 SCT, this means using a 2x or 2.5x Barlow lens. Its high sensitivity and USB 3.0 interface allow for the fast frame rates needed to "freeze" atmospheric seeing.

    What back focus do I need for the ASI533MM Pro and are the parts included?

    Like most astrophotography cameras, the ASI533MM Pro is designed to work with the standard 55mm back focus distance when used with flatteners or reducers. The camera itself has a native back focus of 17.5mm. ZWO includes a set of extenders (16.5mm and 21mm) and spacer rings that allow you to achieve the 55mm standard right out of the box for most configurations.

  • Sensor 1" Sony IMX533 BSI CMOS
    Resolution 3008 x 3008 (9.05 MP)
    Pixel Size 3.76 µm
    Sensor Dimensions 11.31 mm x 11.31 mm (15.97 mm diagonal)
    Quantum Efficiency (Peak) 91% @ 460nm
    Full Well Capacity 50ke-
    Read Noise 1.0e- to 3.8e-
    Amp Glow Control Zero Amplifier Glow
    Camera Type Monochrome, Cooled
    Cooling System Two-Stage TEC
    Anti-Dew Heater Yes
    Shutter Type Electronic Rolling Shutter
    Exposure Range 32 µs to 2000 s
    Bit Depth 14-bit
    Max Frame Rate 20 FPS
    Region of Interest (ROI) Yes
    Image Buffer 256MB DDR3 Memory
    Data Interface USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
    Telescope Connection M42x0.75
    Back Focus 17.5 mm
    Protective Window AR Coated
    Power Requirements Camera: 650mA @ 5V (via USB), Cooler: 12V @ 3A (Max)
    Dimensions 78 mm Diameter
    Weight 1.04 lb
    Operating Temperature -5°C to 50°C
    Storage Temperature -10°C to 60°C
    Operating Humidity 0% to 80%

    • ASI533MM Pro Camera

      × 1

    • Soft Padded Camera Bag

      × 1

    • USB 3.0 Cable (6.5 ft)

      × 1

    • USB 2.0 Cables (1.6 ft)

      × 2

    • T2-M48 Extender (16.5 mm)

      × 1

    • T2 Extender (21 mm)

      × 1

    • M42-M48 Adapter Ring

      × 1

    • T2-1.25" Adapter

      × 1

    • 1.25" Nosepiece

      × 1

    • Spacer Rings

      × 4

    • Lens Cover

      × 1

    • Quick Start Guide

      × 1

  • ZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty